Levy in action 2021 - BRANZ
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Levy in action
2021
Cover photographer: Mark Scowen, builder: Miles Construction, client: Community of Refuge Trust
Challenging Aotearoa NZ to create
a building system that delivers
better outcomes for all
Contents
New Levy-funded research
projects for 2021/22
Levy in Action 2021
provides information about
the investments BRANZ
is making and introduces
newly funded research
between 1 April 2021
4 6
and 31 March 2022.
For completeness, the 2021 Levy
in Action also includes several now
complete research projects that did not
feature in the 2020 Levy in Action.
Building connections Investing the Building
Research Levy
Features projects funded this
year for BRANZ programmes
Working together 7
Tackling the most pressing issues 8
Our portfolio overview 9
Investing the Levy wisely to 10
deliver better outcomes for all
Research investment 13
overview 2021/22
2
14 41 51
BRANZ programmes Delivering evidence- Our investment
of research based knowledge in detail
Features new agile investment
Stand-alone research 42 Stand-alone projects 52
projects funded this year
under way in 2021/22
Scholarships 46
Transition to a zero-carbon 15
built environment Strategic initiatives 49
Warmer, drier, healthier homes 27
Building fire-safe densified housing 34
Eliminating quality issues 38
3
BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Building connections
In our BRANZ Annual Review this Our connections and relationships across the industry
continue to be the lifeblood of BRANZ. They ensure we
year, I have noted that the COVID-19 understand the linkages and interactions that influence
disruption reinforced the unique the building system. Our work with industry colleagues,
position BRANZ holds within the government, universities and other researchers provides
invaluable insights that drive our research programme,
industry. At a time when connection ensuring wise investment of the Building Research Levy.
– in both a professional and personal
We continue to be relentlessly focused on ensuring that
sense – was so difficult, BRANZ was research undertaken or commissioned by BRANZ drives
fortunate that existing strong industry positive change both within the industry and across
relationships enabled us to keep pushing Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment. We also
work hard to ensure our research and the knowledge we
forward and maintain momentum.
4
develop gets into the hands of those in the system who and builders, with each better understanding the needs and
can apply it in ways that make a meaningful difference. expectations of the other prior to signing a contract. There is
a growing need to help guide consumers in what will likely be
This issue of Levy in Action highlights ways in which we are
the most significant purchase in their lives. At the same time,
deepening our connections and working closer than ever with
the building industry has a growing need for assistance to learn
other system players. The featured research projects illustrate
how to better communicate their skills to their potential clients.
our commitment to listen, learn, join the dots and ensure our
research continues to meet emerging and long-term needs. We are grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy across
the wider building system. Together, we share insights,
Our work is increasingly providing evidence-based
identify opportunities and tackle issues. BRANZ is confident
insights into the needs of building end users.
that the research supported by the Building Research
One such example is the Building for wellbeing project BRANZ Levy will continue to add enduring value to the sector.
is undertaking in collaboration with Auckland University of
We warmly invite you to delve into Levy in Action
Technology (AUT) and government agency Kāinga Ora.
to learn more about how BRANZ’s research
The project team is developing and testing a digital post investments and work contributes to a better built
occupancy evaluation tool to efficiently capture the qualitative environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.
perspectives of end users about the wellbeing performance
of buildings. It will measure the liveability – or wellbeing –
performance of buildings by considering the impact on quality
of life for occupants. This qualitative data is expected to help
inform the ongoing planning, design and construction of
buildings that meet the wellbeing needs of New Zealanders. Chelydra Percy
BRANZ CEO
We believe this project will be a game changer in terms
of understanding and being able to demonstrate how
well a building performs from a human perspective.
Another project featured in this publication is BRANZ’s study
How do clients choose a quality builder? BRANZ is reviewing
current literature and pre-build advice and undertaking surveys
and a wide range of interviews to identify and codify best
practice. The project aims to provide a win:win for both clients
5
BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Investing the Building Research Levy
BRANZ invests the Building Research Levy to improve the building
system performance by co-creating enduring solutions that make a
real difference in the lives of people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Forging connections to maximise research impact To foster the required change, BRANZ maintains strong
relationships with a wide range of system players active
The Building Research Levy investment creates
within New Zealand’s built environment. By developing and
a trusted, independent and impartial evidence
nurturing connections with industry and government, BRANZ
base to support enduring change.
makes sure Levy-funded research is relevant and effective. Our
A key driver of the Levy investment is ensuring that research is increasingly co-created alongside key users who have
all research is designed with the needs of the industry the ability to implement the research findings into their work.
and ultimately all New Zealanders in mind.
6
Working together
BRANZ is committed to an enduring collaborative effort across a range
of system players. We listen, learn and share information, expertise and
research to explore new ideas and find practical frontline solutions.
Working with industry BRANZ has been working with the Construction
Sector Accord, a partnership between the sector and
BRANZ has deep connections across the building
government, since its launch in 2019 to identify research
and construction industry that are fundamental to our
that supports industry transformation. In mid-2020, the
work. These connections give us a unique perspective
Accord expanded its Transformation Plan to include
on how the industry works and helps to keep us
the new Environment workstream, aiming to improve
informed about emerging and long-term issues.
environmental sustainability and support the industry to
We also engage with a wide range of industry organisations prepare for a zero-carbon future. In recognition of BRANZ’s
and experts to understand industry research and expertise in and passion for the challenge, BRANZ CEO
information needs. This keeps our work grounded Chelydra Percy was invited to lead the new workstream.
and focused on real-world practical solutions.
Collaborating with researchers
Engaging with government
Our relationships with universities, Crown Research Institutes
BRANZ works closely with a range of government (CRIs) and other research providers are also essential to
organisations that interact with the building and BRANZ. We currently work with more than 20 research
construction system. We apply an interest-based approach organisations across New Zealand. Shared information helps
to these relationships to link our capabilities with the inform priorities for funding, ensuring we aren’t duplicating
research needs of policy makers and regulators. effort and we are playing to our respective strengths.
By working with government, BRANZ continues to:
Connecting with the international community
• support the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Many BRANZ researchers and scientists are members
Employment (MBIE), as the building regulator,
of international collaborative groups. This enables us to
with the revision of the Building Code, relevant
participate in the international science community and share
compliance documents and standards
that expertise within New Zealand. BRANZ is a member
• ensure that government decisions around buildings of the International Council for Research and Innovation in
are informed by robust up-to-date research Building and Construction. We also work with our Australian
• present new opportunities to maximise colleagues through the Australian Building Codes Board.
value from government investment in public
BRANZ maintains a watching brief on key international trends
buildings, such as schools and state houses
and developments facing the building and construction industry.
• maintain ongoing dialogue with key government
stakeholders to stay abreast with current Some offshore developments can have direct implications
trends, challenges and opportunities for New Zealand, such as changes to shared international
standards. Our international scanning can also highlight
• make submissions on proposed regulatory changes affecting
information about opportunities or issues that the New
buildings, such as the Building Amendment Bill 2021
Zealand construction sector may face in the future.
and the Building for Climate Change programme.
7
BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Tackling the
most pressing issues
As an industry that employs around 10% of the country’s workforce, contributes 7%
of GDP and supports our wellbeing, it’s critical Aotearoa New Zealand has a sound and
high-functioning construction sector. BRANZ invests in research that aims to understand
and identify the nature of industry issues and that delivers better outcomes for all.
Our portfolio
The BRANZ research portfolio outlines areas of
importance to New Zealanders and the building sector ties, regions & commu
ng ci niti
rivi
and sets out our assessment of building and construction Th es
Re
sil
research across New Zealand. This overview informs us y
ie
nc
om e
on where we can focus our efforts to make a difference.
on
of
ec
bu
on
ilt
rb
en
-ca
Our portfolio provides a high-level view of Levy investment
vir
Low
on
me
in research against seven key challenges for New Zealand's
nt
built environment. As part of our annual Levy investment
of homes/buildings
process, we review our existing research portfolio and engage
with industry and government stakeholders to understand
Housing a
their priorities. This, in turn, informs our research priorities.
ance
fford
The graphic to the right sets out key areas in which
or m
abi
l i ty
erf
BRANZ undertakes research and its relative strengths
&p
ity
(red shading) and the depth of research effort
al
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M
across New Zealand (red and grey shading). ee
ti n
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Z’s tr y
po us
nd
This Levy in Action features new research that has been pul
a tio
n ne e
ds Vi b r
a nt i
funded between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022.
The table on the next page provides an overview of the portfolio
of research that BRANZ Inc. invests in. The Building Research
BRANZ research and its relative strengths
Levy is invested in a range of research that includes the four
Depth of research effort across New Zealand
BRANZ Ltd programmes of research as well as other stand-
alone research projects. These projects can be distinct projects
or may respond to emerging or urgent issues or strategic
initiatives. Research can be contracted to external providers
and/or BRANZ Ltd, including postgraduate scholarships.
8Our portfolio overview
2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022+
ELIMINATING QUALITY ISSUES Priority problems tackled
through new focus and
New types of knowledge
transfer focus on behaviour
Research provides evidence
that quality problems are
Quality issues are being
addressed as solutions take
tools change being addressed hold
WARMER, DRIER, Key insights support Solutions to lift the quality Solutions around improved Evidence from this
BRANZ programmes of research
shift in quality of existing of indoor environments indoor living conditions are programme has led to
HEALTHIER HOMES rental housing stock in high-density living are rolled out policy changes lifting the
being developed quality of both new and
existing housing stock
Components shaped by Levy Investment Portfolio Statement
TRANSITION TO A ZERO-CARBON Programme of action
launched
Existing solutions being
shared and new solutions
Tools to support low-carbon
building are becoming
Low-carbon construction
has become mainstreamed
BUILT ENVIRONMENT being fast-tracked mainstreamed as a core element of New
Zealand’s building system
BUILDING FIRE-SAFE Key partners brought
together to identify
First projects from new
programme begin
New solutions developed Shift in construction
practices around fire safety
DENSIFIED HOUSING action around high- begins on back of new
density living insights driven by the
programme
INVESTMENT ON BRANZ is able to act quickly and decisively on urgent issues as they emerge – for example, urgent work to address
retrofit gap around precast concrete flooring systems
EMERGING ISSUES
DISTINCT, STAND ALONE Projects initiated by researchers and end users – for example, overframing of timber buildings
PROJECTS
Other investments
SCHOLARSHIPS Helping ensure that New Zealand has strong research capability in core STEM and building science areas
INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION Industry Transformation
Agenda development and
Projects developed that
tackle root cause challenges
Project solutions trialled,
refined and rolled out
Shift in industry
performance can be
evolution in alignment faced by building systems measured against baseline
with Construction Sector
Accord
Core activities that make our research and knowledge accessible and actionable
Publications Services Long-term studies Tools
• Build • Seminars • Durability verification database • MyBRANZ Knowledge
• Guideline • Live webinars • Weathering site • B-RISK user support
• Bulletins • E-Learning modules • Levy forecast • Artisan
• BRANZ Facts • Helpline • House Condition Survey • BRANZ CO2NSTRUCT
• BRANZ Research Now • Information management • ALF
• Study Reports • Advisory services • LCAQuick
For more information on core activities, see www.branz.co.nz
9Investing the Levy wisely to deliver
better outcomes for all
Through responsible and responsive Levy stewardship and purposeful investment,
BRANZ delivers research that provides practical solutions. We are also able to
adjust our investment plans and timing through a variety of economic conditions.
Our Levy investment approach • investing the Levy in an open, transparent and
contestable way
BRANZ Inc. receives the Building Research Levy. This is
directly linked to the levels and values of building consents • ensuring that any investment in core internal capability
is linked to BRANZ’s long-term strategic priorities
BRANZ is able to invest in and support research through
• investing to avoid unnecessary duplication of capability
economic cycles in a careful, transparent and considered way.
and facilities across Aotearoa New Zealand
We do this through our long-term Levy utilisation policy. It
uses a 20-year model to create a stable, sustainable platform for • ensuring the availability of funding for maintenance
BRANZ to invest the Building Research Levy effectively. This and investment in property, plant and equipment
helps manage any increases or reductions in the Levy income. • maintaining appropriate cash reserves.
In practice, when the Levy income increases, we are prudent Allocating the Building Research Levy
to expand our investment. Then, when the Levy income
decreases, we don’t have to make unnecessary or drastic cuts. BRANZ is responsible for providing effective stewardship
of the Building Research Levy. This demands robust
This enables us to adjust our plans and pace of investment and still decision-making processes, a commitment to transparency
maintain our core commitment to a high- performing industry. and disciplined management of Levy investments.
We anticipate that this financial approach will assist BRANZ’s
financial stability, despite the current economic uncertainty. The BRANZ Inc. Board determines how much of the
Levy is spent on research and knowledge dissemination.
Levy utilisation policy The BRANZ Levy Investment Portfolio Statement outlines
The long-term Levy utilisation policy sets out how high-level investment signals around existing and new priority
BRANZ will effectively manage the Levy by: areas for Levy investment. It is an open and transparent
mechanism through which BRANZ Inc. sets out its investment
• determining a baseline Levy investment sum using the 20-
priorities and invites proposals seeking Levy funding.
year model – this is incorporated into the annual BRANZ
Group budget for investment in Levy-funded activities
• investing the baseline Levy investment sum in internal Read more:
and external research and knowledge dissemination
4 Levy Investment Portfolio Statement
www.branz.co.nz/investing-research/
10BRANZ Inc. invests the Building Research
Levy through a range of mechanisms:
• Investments that target work initiated and
contracted with BRANZ Ltd (this can include
subcontracts with external providers).
• Investments that target work initiated and contracted
with external providers (this can include subcontracts with
BRANZ Ltd). This includes scholarships to support the
next generation of researchers and help support capability
in New Zealand’s tertiary education institutions. BRANZ Inc. Board. It is made up of leaders and experts
• Agile investments that can respond to urgent issues drawn from the Building Research Advisory Council
or take advantage of opportunities that may emerge and the wider building and construction industry. MBIE
outside of programmed investment rounds. participates on this advisory group, in recognition of
the strong connections between Levy-funded research
• Strategic initiatives that invest in significant activities above
and government regulatory and policy direction. The
and beyond BRANZ’s baseline of research investment.
group aims to provide independent expert advice that
• Investments in infrastructure to develop and can give confidence to the BRANZ Inc. Board on
maintain building research capability. the focus and quality of BRANZ Ltd research.
To ensure research is of a high quality, all investment
proposals undergo a rigorous assessment process. External providers
Collaborating with other providers is an important part of
BRANZ Ltd how BRANZ strives to deliver best value from the Levy.
BRANZ Ltd is New Zealand’s primary building research There is significant expertise within universities, Crown
provider and is nationally and internationally recognised as Research Institutes and independent research providers
a centre of building science expertise. BRANZ Ltd carries to complement BRANZ-based specialist teams.
out industry-good research and co-develops solutions to Sometimes, this collaboration can involve external providers
address systemic industry issues. Most of the research being directly contracted by BRANZ Inc. to carry out projects.
undertaken by BRANZ falls under the four key research Other times, external providers act as part of a team of
programmes. These are described further on pages 14-40. subcontractors to BRANZ Ltd to deliver Levy-funded work.
A wholly owned subsidiary of BRANZ Inc., BRANZ Ltd BRANZ works hard to be open and transparent about how
operates predominantly out of the Judgeford campus near external providers can access Levy funding. One of the
Wellington. Over 100 staff work here – most are scientists, ways external research proposals are sought is through a
researchers or experts in knowledge dissemination. prospectus. This is sent to industry and the research community
Research proposals put forward by BRANZ Ltd are to seek proposals to help deliver on research priorities as
reviewed by the Levy Allocation Advisory Group (LAAG). outlined in the Levy Investment Portfolio Statement.
This group of independent assessors is appointed by the
11BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Levy funding is also invested in outstanding postgraduate This research infrastructure is a key national asset.
scholars to work on industry issues. This supports the next Capital investment in property, plant and equipment
generation of researchers and builds on our ties to tertiary is undertaken at BRANZ through a cyclical process
education institutions, helping support their capability. targeting progressive improvement. By understanding
the value and quality of existing assets and identifying
Emerging issues future needs, we develop a programme of capital
Most of our research investments are delivered through requirements and understand investment priorities.
the annual funding rounds described above. As part of our A Campus and Asset Management Plan shapes these
portfolio approach, we also recognise the importance of investments. The plan creates visibility of the potential size
being an agile investor. We want to be able to respond to and scale of investment in property, plant and equipment
opportunities and issues outside the usual investment cycles. at BRANZ over the next 10 years. This supports the
BRANZ recognises opportunities may be driven by urgent Board in making individual project investment decisions
or timely insights or events and is able to undertake new relative to the size and scale of other likely investments.
research throughout the year. We use agile investment to act
Impactful research
quickly to respond to emerging building and construction
industry issues. These can be identified and developed BRANZ is actively embedding co-creation of research
within BRANZ or from external organisations. across its research portfolio. This helps ensure that the
research will contribute towards addressing systemic issues
Strategic initiatives and can support the development of complete solutions.
BRANZ also invests the Levy in strategic initiatives This involves working in partnership with system players
beyond the core baseline investment in research. These including industry, government, universities and other research
are typically focused on national strategic opportunities providers to develop and undertake relevant research.
and are approved by the BRANZ Inc. Board. Through co-creation and engagement from the outset
BRANZ’s strategic investments have ambitious goals and and throughout research, Levy investment can support
aim to have long-term, positive and far-reaching outcomes. accessible and actionable research to drive changes in
behavioural norms and achieve system-wide improvements.
Infrastructure
BRANZ Inc. also invests Levy funding in developing and
maintaining building research capability at its campus.
12Research investment overview
2021/22
New Levy investment and budgeted expenditure
for existing research committed for the year
1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022:
Investments New investment $ Existing investment $ Total $
BRANZ research programmes
Transition to a zero-carbon built environment 1,501,000 949,000 2,450,000
Warmer, drier, healthier homes 693,000 2,262,000 2,955,000
Building fire-safe densified housing 489,000 838,000 1,327,000
Eliminating quality issues 204,000 480,000 684,000
Agile research investments
Knowledge transfer and enabling activities - 3,354,000 3,354,000
Scholarships 100,000 105,000 205,000
Stand-alone projects 460,000 1,729,000 2,190,000
Strategic initiatives* 724,000 - 724,000
Total 4,171,000 9,717,000 13,888,000
* Funded on an annual basis.
These figures are correct in representing the total
Levy investment for the year as at 1 July 2021. It is
subject to change due to project variations and new
investments made in response to emerging issues.
13BRANZ Annual
Levy in Review
Action 2021
2021
BRANZ programmes
of research
BRANZ invests the Building The programme approach was implemented by BRANZ in
2016/17. The programmes aim to find and develop end-to-end
Research Levy in programmes of solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the industry
research that target four priority and help provide better outcomes for New Zealanders.
areas for New Zealand’s building Each programme of research is supported by an advisory
and construction sector: group with representatives who provide science leadership,
specialist advice and guidance on industry issues. This
• Transition to a zero-carbon helps to turn research solutions into practical action.
built environment Research in these programmes is led by BRANZ Ltd
and can include subcontracts with external providers.
• Warmer, drier, healthier homes
This section provides an overview of each of the four
• Building fire-safe densified housing key programmes of research, and includes:
• Eliminating quality issues • a programme overview
• timeline graphs showing a full list of all research
projects that are under way in 2021/22, including
those continuing from previous years
• a summary of the new research being funded this year.
14Transition to a zero-carbon
built environment
Climate change has big implications for the building industry. The built
environment contributes up to 20% of New Zealand’s carbon footprint.
To achieve Aotearoa New Zealand’s goal of reducing net emissions of
greenhouse gases to zero by 2050, the sector needs to develop and adopt low-
carbon practices for how we design, construct and operate buildings.
What we’re doing building stock. It will examine the barriers, motivation
and actions of the building and construction industry in
Over the past 20 years, BRANZ has contributed to research
preparing to transition to a net-zero carbon economy.
about climate change and its impacts. This has meant
collaborating with key stakeholders such as MBIE, Kāinga Ora, This programme will:
the Ministry of Education and others to address key challenges • examine how the building environment impacts
in relation to the transition to zero-carbon buildings. Further, the climate change through the production of
programme has been supporting industry through the creation of materials and energy efficiency performance
resources and tools to help upskill the industry’s ability to assess and what can be done to mitigate this
the environmental impact of building designs. BRANZ has
• look at how buildings are being impacted by the effects
continued to develop a suite of carbon-footprinting tools, such as
of climate change such as extreme weather events
LCAQuick and CO2NSTRUCT to help project teams calculate
and reduce the carbon footprint of their building designs. • assist the New Zealand Government and public to
meet the needs of a future net-zero carbon economy
In 2019, the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment
• promote decarbonisation across the building life
research programme was established to support an industry-
cycle by encouraging leadership and decision makers
led transition to reducing emissions. This programme aims
to manage the mitigation of climate change
to provide the science, knowledge and guidance for what
current carbon consumption looks like and how we can
cost-effectively decarbonise new and existing buildings and
15BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
• seek to ensure that New Zealand society has
guidance and is enabled to design, build, operate
and decommission zero-carbon buildings.
The current focus of the programme is on how New Zealand’s
building and construction sector can decarbonise buildings
and what is required to do that. The environmental impact
of buildings has a lasting influence on our economy. The
decisions made during the design of buildings today will have
an impact post-2050 as most have a service life of 60–90 years.
If you would like to know more, please visit our website
The current research projects within the programme are led by www.branz.co.nz/environment-zero-
researchers from across BRANZ and other research providers carbon-research/transition
such as Massey University, Concrete NZ and the University of
If you wish to get involved, contact the
Auckland. An outline of current and recent research under way
programme team: zerocarbon@branz.co.nz
within the programme is shown in the timeline on the next page.
Programme objectives
The programme aims to support industry, government and the The programme is supported by a Programme
public so that, by 2050, the building and construction industry
is delivering net-zero carbon buildings in an affordable way.
Advisory Group with representatives from:
4 BECA
Key objectives of the programme are:
4 Building Better Homes, Towns and
• cost-effective low-carbon solutions have been Cities National Science Challenge
developed to decarbonise new and existing dwellings
4 Christchurch City Council
and non-residential buildings by 2030
4 The Deep South National Science Challenge
• cost-effective low-carbon solutions are routinely
implemented to inform design, maintenance 4 Fonterra
and construction of dwellings and non- 4 Kāinga Ora
residential buildings from 2030.
4 Massey University
4 Naylor Love
4 Scion
Programme leader 4 University of Otago
Casimir MacGregor
casimir.macgregor@branz.co.nz 4 Victoria University of Wellington
4 Warren and Mahoney Architects
16Progress in the Transition to a zero-carbon built environment programme
This timeline shows all the projects that are either part of
this programme or contributing to it. It shows the timing
of each project and how much we’re investing. If you would
like to know more about this programme, please contact the
programme leader directly: casimir.macgregor@branz.co.nz.
Under way Completed
Project progress 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Amount (NZD)
Low-impact buildings 1,575,000
Carbon budget 185,000
Regional waste minimisation 175,000
Home heating left cold 220,000
Building Energy End-use Study (BEES)
500,000
2.0 – addressing energy demand
Innovative low-carbon residential
220,000
water heating solutions
Marginal abatement cost curves – scoping 170,000
Supplementary cementing materials
150,000
in concrete production
Low-carbon built environment
160,000
science leadership 2020-21
Beyond Code seismic design –
127,000
assessing the climate change case
Scholarship: Emily Newmarch – Designing
75,000
low-carbon architecture in New Zealand
Keeping carbon current 2024 407,000
Energy and carbon certificates for dwellings 100,000
Get ready! Preparing building and construction
372,000
businesses for the transition to zero carbon
Sustainability assessment of Kāinga
126,200
Ora 3-level walk-up designs
Carbon budget model sensitivity 61,009
Can the durability of building materials
83,200
contribute to a zero-carbon future?
17BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Under way Completed
Project progress 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Amount (NZD)
Towards a New Zealand building
170,000
stock model – scoping
Bio-based materials – New Zealand wood
262,000
fibre insulation – proof of concept
Housing stock strategies for meeting
187,600
New Zealand’s 2050 carbon target
Zero-carbon built environment
2024 343,200
science leadership 2021–24
Measuring our sustainability
177,500
progress – second update
Marginal abatement cost curves
321,800
(MACCs) – phase 2
Future of work – what do we need to
2024 792,200
know to transition to zero carbon
Seismic design and retrofit of hillside houses 2024 694,000
Roadmap for evaluating building
109,600
performance for low-carbon houses
Building capability to help transition
95,000
industry to zero carbon
Scholarship: Rosa Gonzalez – Carbon
2024 75,000
case for resilient design
Next-generation carbon
153,800
footprinting tools – scoping
Is the Code fit for a changing climate? 174,800
TOTAL $8,262,909
18 18Towards a New Zealand building Seismic design and retrofit
stock model – scoping of hillside houses
How many non-residential buildings do we Hillside houses represent a significant
have in New Zealand? How many homes proportion of New Zealand’s built environment,
in New Zealand can have their underfloor particularly in areas where sloping sites
insulation easily upgraded? How many are prolific such as Wellington. However,
rental properties will be built in 2030? little research has been undertaken to study
seismic performance of hillside houses.
At present, despite many sources of good data in New Zealand,
we don’t have a comprehensive physical description of the House damage surveys after the Canterbury earthquakes
buildings as well as details of how different occupants use them. revealed that hillside houses are much more vulnerable
than houses on non-liquefiable flat sites.
This research aims to address this critical issue by scoping
what a possible national building stock model could look This research will study the seismic performance of subfloor
like for New Zealand. It is an opportunity to look at useful bracing systems in new and existing hillside houses to help
information to gather on buildings, what format, who gathers build climate and seismic resilience into our housing stock.
it and to identify where there are gaps in knowledge. It will consider interdependencies to address the engineering
issues and the associated economic and environmental
By examining international examples while understanding
benefits and factor in solutions to support the government’s
New Zealand’s unique characteristics, the research aims
zero-carbon goal. This will provide the basis for guidance
to trial a potential national building stock model that will
on the design of subfloor framing systems in new hillside
meet New Zealand’s needs. This data-intensive model
houses. It will also be used for seismic assessment and
would consider variations such as building types, climate
retrofit of the subfloor systems in existing hillside houses.
locations, occupancy patterns, heating levels and insulation
levels. Information could be used to understand the energy The guidance will help owners, building practitioners
and resource consumption or track the collective impacts and regulators to make informed decisions about the
of building performance improvements. This model would designs (new build) and retrofits (existing) of hillside
enable stakeholders to have greater understanding of houses to reduce the vulnerability of these buildings.
the economic, social and environmental impacts of New
Zealand’s buildings and how different occupants use them.
Levy investment $694,000
Timeframe December 2020 – June 2024
Levy investment $170,000
Contact Angela Liu
Timeframe December 2020 – May 2022
angela.liu@branz.co.nz
Contact Andrew Pollard
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
andrew.pollard@branz.co.nz
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
19BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Bio-based materials –
New Zealand wood fibre insulation
Future building products will need to address The insulation will be tested to determine whether sufficient
the carbon footprint of new buildings including thermal properties can be achieved. The research will explore
the greenhouse gas emissions that arise from risks typical to New Zealand construction – moisture, fire,
both operational (energy and water use) and stability and durability – and possible mitigations. It will
identify what, if any, changes may be necessary to the way
embodied sources (materials). Bio-based materials
we design, detail and build our houses to accommodate
are likely to become increasingly important in
use of this material and mitigate any identified risks.
a shift to a zero-carbon built environment.
This is a collaborative research project between BRANZ and
Scion. The research will test whether a New Zealand radiata Levy investment $262,200
pine wood fibre insulation can be made and, if so, what its Timeframe December 2020 – March 2023
performance in New Zealand houses would look like.
Contact David Dowdell
Scion is developing proof of concept samples of wood david.dowdell@branz.co.nz
fibre insulation products made with New Zealand
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd and Scion
grown radiata pine. These are envisaged to comprise
batt, rigid board and loose-fill options. BRANZ will
provide expertise and facilities to assess potential risks of
using such a material in New Zealand construction.
20Measuring our sustainability
progress – second update
In New Zealand, sustainability is one of four
purposes of the Building Act 2004, where
PhD scholarship: Rosa Gonzalez “buildings are designed, constructed, and able
to be used in ways that promote sustainable
Carbon case for resilient design development”. This project is the second update
of a longitudinal study, initiated in 2012,
to examine a range of sustainability-related
The demolition of large parts of central impacts of recently consented housing being
Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake made added to New Zealand’s building stock.
a strong socio-economic case for rebuilding
This research summarises information from a diverse
with resilient buildings designed above the
superset of robust resources to provide a snapshot of
acceptable seismic standard. There are significant New Zealand’s housing performance, industry readiness
environmental costs in demolishing structures and governance initiatives relating to environmental,
before the end of their design life associated economic and social sustainability. It looks at newly
with demolition waste as well as extensive consented houses in 2020 and measures a range of
carbon costs associated with reconstruction. sustainability-related factors including carbon, water, indoor
environment, functional resilience, affordability, consumer
Rosa’s PhD research compares the life cycle environmental
demand, industry capacity and government policy.
impacts of baseline buildings designed to current standards
with above-code buildings that are designed for a higher The metrics will be useful for policy documents, guidelines,
seismic performance. She will consider seismic risk on strategic decision making, educational information and those
buildings that are designed lean. These may sustain more with an interest in exceeding the minimum standards required
damage in large seismic events, which has significant by the New Zealand Building Code. The findings will provide
environmental impacts. The results will be compared to insight into some of the fundamental challenges we are
resilient buildings where the higher upfront carbon costs may facing as a nation, such as climate change, energy hardship,
be offset by limited damage following large seismic events. cost of first-home ownership and an ageing demographic.
The study has been designed to be updated every 4 years.
Rosa’s research will provide valuable insight into the carbon
cost of designing seismically resilient buildings. It can
provide policy makers and stakeholders with evidence- Levy investment $177,500
based environmental incentives for designing structures
Timeframe December 2020 – April 2023
in New Zealand for higher seismic performance.
Contact Roman Jaques
Timeframe April 2021 – January 2024 roman.jaques@branz.co.nz
Contact researchinvestment@branz.org.nz Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
Tertiary institute University of Auckland
21BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Housing stock strategies for meeting Can the durability of building materials
New Zealand’s 2050 carbon target contribute to a zero-carbon future?
The building and construction sector currently Materials used to create buildings play a
accounts for around 20% of New Zealand’s carbon significant role to in mitigating climate
emissions through the energy and materials used in change through reducing emissions
buildings. This research supports MBIE’s Building and improving climate resilience.
for Climate Change programme, which delivers
This scoping research considers the long-term sustainability
central government's Emissions Reduction Plan.
of building materials from 2050 and beyond in the context of
The research uses BRANZ’s existing building stock model climate change. It asks, “How will building materials perform
and residential building carbon footprint data to test in climate change environments over the whole of their life
different possible decarbonising strategies that could be cycles?” It considers what future New Zealand building
implemented in existing houses, new houses or both. It will environments could look like and explores the adoption of
estimate the potential greenhouse gas savings that could new materials, design strategies and the changes in building
be achieved with these strategies compared to business as typologies. It also asks, “How durable can building materials
usual, which means taking no climate action. The evaluation be in a future environment impacted by climate change?”
will consider potential embodied carbon costs (i.e. in The research will explore how to encourage material science
building materials) as well as ongoing operational carbon innovation that balances durability and reducing embodied
benefits. The research will also consider emissions that occur carbon of our existing and new building stock. The aim
overseas – for example, due to manufacture and transport of is to help develop complete carbon emission profiles and
construction materials that are imported to New Zealand. durability criteria for materials that have solutions that can
The research findings will be used to support policy that significantly decarbonise new and existing buildings.
determines by how much our housing stock must shrink A research strategy roadmap will be developed
its carbon footprint to achieve New Zealand’s goal of collaboratively with researchers, industry and government
being zero-carbon by 2050. This will be based on specific to help develop materials that are durable, low in embodied
operational/embodied carbon trade-offs. They will also provide carbon and with acceptable performance solutions.
a broader context to help inform government thinking.
Levy investment $83,200
Levy investment $187,600
Timeframe December 2020 – September 2022
Timeframe December 2020 – April 2022
Contact Zhengwei Li
Contact Roman Jaques
zhengwei.li@branz.co.nz
roman.jaques@branz.co.nz
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
22Next-generation carbon footprinting tools - scoping
As part of MBIE’s Building for Climate Change online environment by different web-based tools. The pilot
programme for carbon reduction in New Zealand study will consider data format, metadata confidentiality
houses, the Ministry plans to incorporate and the ongoing ability to update and maintain data. It
greenhouse gas emission reporting into the will also test if the tools are user friendly for end users,
their ease of use and integration with workflows.
building consent process. Carbon footprinting
is likely to become part of business as usual in In the short term, these tools will provide important steps
assessing performance of buildings in the future. towards achieving a more integrated, consistent solution
for simulating building performance in New Zealand.
Currently, residential performance covers several largely
separate issues such as thermal performance, energy efficiency,
embodied and operational carbon as well as moisture risk. Levy investment $153,800
These could be brought together and evaluated in a coherent Timeframe April 2021 – March 2022
manner that aligns with design and consenting workflows.
Contact Jarred Butler
This research will review what tools are currently available jarred.butler@branz.co.nz
to building designers and explore how they can be used
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
to develop more-integrated assessment methods. A pilot
study will then bring together data sources used for carbon
footprinting and explore whether they can be accessed in an
23BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Marginal abatement cost
curves (MACCs) - phase 2
Marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs) are
graphs that capture the relative financial cost
or saving associated with options to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Put simply, MACCs
illustrate the cheapest way to cut carbon.
A number of factors impact the carbon content and emissions
Is the Code fit for a changing climate?
from dwellings. This includes our choices in building New Zealand is increasingly focusing on actions
products used – for example, for roof insulation, walls, floors required to address and prepare for climate
and glazing. MACCs show the amount of emissions that change. In the building industry, significant
could be avoided by each option over a set timeframe. effort in recent years has been towards measures
This research builds on Phase 1 MACC research which to support the necessary shift to low-carbon
looked at the likely parameters, methodology, data inputs buildings. In addition to this, building performance
and outputs needed to construct MACCs for the building needs to be able to accommodate the changing
and construction industry in New Zealand. A collaborative climate and different weather events.
research effort with stakeholder agencies such as MBIE
and Kāinga Ora produced a limited series of experimental This pilot research is looking at whether current design and
MACCs informed by New Zealand-specific datasets. construction practices for light timber-framed buildings
can stand up to the likely effects of climate change.
The MACCs phase 2 research aims to refine BRANZ’s
Adapting buildings to the effects of climate change is a
methodology and produce a complete series of MACCs
broad field. There are many facets of construction and
for the residential construction industry and will capitalise
buildings that will need to be considered. The focus of
on the capability gains made during phase 1. The research
this initial work is on increased wind loadings caused
will enable the industry to identify, prioritise and action
by more frequent and stronger weather events.
abatement measures to meet the 2050 emissions target.
Findings from the MACCs research could also be applied The project will also provide a methodology that can be
to interventions aimed at improving the environmental applied to other parts of the building system. Findings from
performance of the existing residential stock. the project will feed into the revision of the Building Code
standard for timber-framed buildings, NZS 3604. This will
help inform where effort should be focused to make New
Levy investment $321,800 Zealand’s buildings more resilient to climate change.
Timeframe December 2020 – March 2023
Contact Daniel Du Plessis Levy investment $174,800
daniel.duplessis@branz.co.nz
Timeframe April 2021 – January 2022
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
Contact Nick Locke
nick.locke@wsp.com
Lead organisation WSP New Zealand Ltd
24Roadmap for evaluating building Building capability to help the construction
performance for low-carbon houses industry transition to zero carbon
Buildings need to be warm, dry, healthy and Transforming the industry to deliver zero-carbon
low carbon, but there is currently no consistent, buildings will require a paradigm shift in building
integrated New Zealand-based online solution and construction industry thinking. This includes
to evaluate whether designs will meet these processes, products, technology and people. One
performance requirements. In addition, the metrics of the main ways of enabling the transformation
for performance may change as New Zealand works of the industry is through education of the next
towards meeting its zero-carbon emissions targets. generation of construction professionals.
Currently, the multiple tools available to measure This project provides funding into a wider initiative to develop
performance have varying scopes, methodologies, a Massey University professional master’s degree with a
purposes, underlying data and outputs, which leads concentration on climate, energy and building performance.
to inconsistency, inaccuracies and confusion. It supports between 5-10 master’s students enrolled in the
School of Built Environment at Massey University to undertake
This research will scope industry requirements and explore
short-term research projects on climate change. Students
a web-based, accessible, integrated solution that draws
will undertake industry-relevant projects, and the matching
on existing tools and data. Several issues such as thermal
of students to projects will be overseen by an advisory group
performance, energy efficiency, embodied and operational
comprising Massey, BRANZ and industry members.
carbon and moisture risk may be brought together in
a coherent digital solution that aligns with design and Educating the industry and future industry leaders is one of
consenting workflows. The aim is to co-design a collective the key aims of this research initiative. Ultimately, students
roadmap for evaluating building performance. Working who graduate are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and trained in
with key stakeholder groups to co-design a vision is the application of the zero-carbon agenda. In the short term, a
essential to a systems approach to possible solutions. network of trained professionals will be developed whose work
will ultimately lead to a change in design and building practice.
The research will establish a scope, methodology, process
and timeframe for assessing the performance of residential
dwellings during the design phase and for the purpose of Levy investment $95,000
gaining building consent. Ultimately, this will support the
Timeframe March 2021 – December 2021
shift to warm, dry, healthy, zero-carbon new houses.
Contact Niluka Domingo
n.d.domingo@massey.ac.nz
Levy investment $109,600
Lead organisation Massey University
Timeframe February 2021 – December 2021
Contact Jonquil Brooks
jonquil.brooks@branz.co.nz
Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
25BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Future of work - what do we need to know?
This project has been co-created with key The aim is to support the industry to develop solutions to
stakeholders such as the Climate Change systemic building and construction issues and to influence
Commission, MBIE and the Ministry of changes to behavioural norms. It will outline the expertise,
Housing and Urban Development. knowledge and competencies the industry requires to transition
to a net-zero carbon economy. It will also identify barriers
What expertise is required of tradespeople and professionals to to developing and deploying expertise across the industry.
design and construct a zero-carbon building? At present, this
is unknown. Many New Zealand industry and government
Levy investment $792,200
plans and initiatives have not considered the knowledge,
skills and competencies needed to address climate change Timeframe December 2020 – April 2024
and deliver zero-carbon buildings across their life cycle. Contact Casimir MacGregor
This research will consider the future of work within the casimir.macgregor@branz.co.nz
building and construction industry. It will provide guidance Lead organisation BRANZ Ltd
on critical areas needed to meet our 2050 carbon-reduction
targets: designing for zero carbon, building for zero-
carbon and refurbishing buildings that are zero carbon.
26Warmer, drier,
healthier homes
The Warmer, drier, healthier homes research programme was established to
understand and solve issues that prevent our homes from being warm, dry
and healthy. Since our health and wellbeing can be significantly impacted
by the unhealthy environments created in some of our homes, this research
programme aims to help provide better homes for New Zealanders.
What we’re doing organisations and strengthening these working relationships
are substantial to the success of all BRANZ programmes.
Over the last year, there has been growing interest in
housing research and its impact to address the ongoing A recent review of the Warmer, drier, healthier homes programme
concerns about the condition of New Zealand’s housing. also identified some knowledge gaps and areas of research focus for
This focus has given BRANZ the opportunity to align with the next few years to complement our current research direction.
other similar housing initiatives involving the industry, Addressing indoor environment issues and optimising indoor
government, key stakeholders and other research providers. climates remains a key focus to ongoing performance improvements
Some of the findings from the programme to date played within our homes. Projects include the current Household Energy
a significant role in shaping new tenancy laws, providing End-use Project (HEEP2), which aims to provide an up-to-date
impartial evidence to help MBIE and the Ministry of picture of how, where, when and why energy is used in New Zealand
Housing and Urban Development. This has included homes. Other projects are looking at gaining a better understanding
influencing changes to the Residential Tenancies Act of and ways to improve indoor air quality (IAQ ) to address the
and the healthy homes standards for heating, insulation, increasing global evidence on the effects of IAQ on occupant health.
ventilation, drainage and moisture ingress. Research on improving the building envelope performance is
The Warmer, drier, healthier homes programme along with the aimed at acquiring a better understanding of retrofit insulation
Transition to a zero-carbon built environment programme supports issues and providing solutions and guidance. Other building
MBIE’s Building for Climate Change programme to make envelope research will also look at ways to facilitate the
differences that have a lasting impact. Collaboration with other adoption of more thermally efficient building envelopes.
27BRANZ Levy in Action 2021
Developing performance and quality measures involves
looking at how we can help create accepted residential
If you would like to know more, please visit our website
building performance measurement methodologies that
www.branz.co.nz/healthy-homes-research
are used more widely by the industry. The aim is that
New Zealanders gain a better understanding of the
performance and quality of their home throughout its
lifetime and can make better-informed decisions.
The programme is supported by a Programme
We will continue to ensure our research findings help
specific audiences to not only improve their knowledge and
Advisory Group with representatives from:
understanding of the benefits but to have practical application. 4 Beacon Pathway
The output from this programme of research aims to enable 4 Bob Burnett Architecture
lasting change and complement findings from the Transition
4 Christchurch City Council
to a zero-carbon built environment programme. We aim to
provide insights and solutions to ensure New Zealand’s 4 CRESA
housing stock is delivering healthy and comfortable homes 4 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority
that are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
4 Kāinga Ora
An outline of current and recent research under way within
4 He Kainga Oranga, University of Otago
the programme is shown in the timeline on the next page.
4 Lifemark
Programme objectives 4 MBIE
The programme aims to develop the technical solutions for new 4 New Zealand Green Building Council
buildings and a move towards higher-performing construction 4 Passive House Institute of New Zealand
types, as well as deeper retrofits to existing buildings by:
4 ProClima
• addressing indoor environment issues
4 Scion
• improving building envelope performance
4 Wellington Regional Healthy Housing Group
• developing performance and quality measures
• improving knowledge and understanding of the benefits.
Programme leader
Mark Jones
mark.jones@branz.co.nz
28Progress in the Warmer, drier, healthier homes programme
This timeline shows all the projects that are either part of
this programme or contributing to it. It shows the timing
of each project and how much we’re investing. If you would
like to know more about this programme, please contact
the programme leader directly: mark.jones@branz.co.nz.
Under way Completed On hold
Project progress 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Amount (NZD)
Façade testing 2014 410,000
Occupant behaviour 2014 430,000
Scholarship: Phoebe Taptiklis –
2015 75,000
Maintenance and dampness
Ridge and fascia vent design and performance 2016 175,000
Scholarship: Mike Bedford – Daycare
2016 75,000
environmental conditions
Airtightness trends 2016 400,000
New Zealand’s experimental buildings 2016 395,000
Ventilation performance in large-span roofs 2016 320,000
Roof design 2016 165,000
School MonitoBox 2016 100,000
Nature of indoor air pollution in New
2016 100,000
Zealand homes and garages
Exposure to indoor air quality at school 2016 100,000
Impact of energy-saving building
2016 94,000
design on occupant health
Identifying the sources and
2016 100,000
characteristics of particulates
Airtightness of apartments 2016 650,000
Indoor environment and fungal exposure 2016 183,000
Internal moisture Verification Method 2016 90,000
29You can also read
